Kuala Lumpur, 9 April 2026 — A pioneering research–industry collaboration led by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has garnered national recognition under the Public-Private Research Network (PPRN) 2026, intensifying the university’s growing influence in delivering environmentally responsive and industry-relevant innovations.

Presented at the Persidangan Public-Private Research Network (PPRN) 2026 held at Wyndham Bangsar Kuala Lumpur, the project spearheaded by Professor Ir. Dr. Srimala Sreekantan from the School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering introduces a next-generation biodegradable mulch film designed to address the escalating issue of microplastic accumulation in agricultural soils.

The project, entitled “Adoption of Surface-Treated Rice Straw-PBAT Technology to Address Mechanical Strength Limitations in Biodegradable Mulch Film Production,” has been approved under the PPRN Phase 1/2026 funding scheme with an allocation of RM148,887.00. Conducted in collaboration with Free the Seed Sdn. Bhd., the initiative reflects Malaysia’s strategic emphasis on strengthening academia–industry collaboration while advancing sustainable agricultural practices.

At the centre of the research is a critical environmental challenge associated with conventional polyethylene-based mulch films. While widely adopted for their agronomic benefits, these materials degrade into microplastics that persist in soil ecosystems. Reported contamination levels ranging from 1,600 to 4,000 particles per kilogram per hectare highlight the severity of the issue, with documented impacts including soil degradation and crop yield reductions of up to 30 percent.

In response, the USM-led team has developed a biodegradable alternative by integrating polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) with surface-treated rice straw. This composite material leverages the biodegradability of PBAT alongside the structural reinforcement provided by treated agricultural waste. Through targeted surface modification techniques, the rice straw is optimised for compatibility within the polymer matrix, effectively overcoming longstanding mechanical performance limitations in biodegradable films.

The innovation represents a circular economy approach by valorising rice straw, an abundant agro-residue often underutilised or disposed of through environmentally harmful means. Beyond enhancing material performance, the formulation strategy demonstrates adaptability, allowing for the incorporation of other biopolymers such as PHA or PLA depending on application-specific requirements.

The allocated grant will support pilot-scale production and subsequent field validation in paddy cultivation settings. This phase is expected to provide critical insights into real-world performance, scalability, and user acceptance among farming communities, ensuring that the technology meets both technical and operational demands.

Vice-Chancellor of USM, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, emphasised the broader significance of the achievement, noting that impactful research must transcend laboratory outcomes and deliver measurable value to society and industry.

“This recognition reflects Universiti Sains Malaysia’s commitment to translating advanced scientific inquiry into practical, scalable solutions that address national and global sustainability challenges. Strategic collaborations such as this are essential in accelerating the transition towards resilient and environmentally responsible agricultural systems.”

The ceremonial mock cheque presentation at the conference symbolised continued governmental support for high-impact, solution-driven research. Within this landscape, the rice straw–PBAT mulch film initiative stands as a compelling model of how targeted funding, scientific excellence, and industry partnership can converge to address complex environmental issues.

More broadly, the project signals a shift towards integrated agricultural innovation, where material science, waste valorisation, and sustainability principles are embedded within production systems. With successful validation and commercialisation, the technology is poised to redefine mulch film applications, reduce microplastic pollution, and strengthen Malaysia’s position in sustainable agriculture innovation.

Source: Professor Ir. Dr. Srimala Sreekantan, School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering / Text: Privinkumar Jayavanan, Media & Public Relations Centre (MPRC) / Editing: Associate Professor Dr. Shaik Abdul Malik Mohamed Ismail, Senior Editorial Consultant @ MPRC USM / Photo: Muhamad Faris Dawisy Mohammad Rafiq, Media & Public Relations Centre (MPRC)